paroolOct 13, 2026, 06:39

Because Jelte would not grow old, his parents sang ‘Happy Birthday’ to him every month

Jelte de Haan, a young boy who became the face of the Serious Request fundraiser, died in June 2024 from a terminal metabolic disease. His family's emotional journey and dedication to medical research are captured in the documentary Jelte’s Legacy, which recently aired on Dutch television.

Four-year-old Jelte became a national face of the Serious Request campaign in late 2024, helping to raise 11.5 million euros for research into metabolic diseases. Jelte suffered from a terminal condition that progressively damaged his central nervous system. Before his death in June 2024, his parents, Sanne and Hein de Haan, celebrated his life by marking his monthly anniversary with birthday songs, documenting these moments in the film Jelte’s Legacy. The documentary, directed by Suzan Hilhorst, captures the family's journey, the challenges of balancing advocacy work with caregiving, and the heartbreaking reality of losing a child. Following his passing, the community held a final tribute to honor his life. Despite the grief and the profound trauma the family now faces, Jelte's parents remain committed to their mission, aiming to help fund research that might save future children from similar fates. The film serves as both a tribute to Jelte and a reflection on the difficult path of navigating terminal illness as a family.

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Based on reporting by parool. Translated and condensed by LocalHeadlines.

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